Thursday, May 20, 2010

Happy Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fixing Social Security

Me, I think the fixing should be the kind of thing the vet does but one must be realistic. It would also be nice if we could sell the kidneys of every Congressweasel that voted to get us into this mess. Still, we need to do something. Lots of money has been paid in stolen from taxpayers for this Ponzi scheme, and the government wrote itself IOUs it can't pay back so it could get its sticky fingers on the moola. Social Security is going to run off a cliff in 2037. This is a fact. The government made promises about Social Security. Another fact. So what can be done? Bearing in mind that *any* change will provoke legal challenges, it is important that whatever changes are made take this into account to survive them.

Some changes can be made already, and have been. Social Security is promised but not the exact amount you paid in. Cost of living adjustments can be reduced, means testing could be applied, and retirement age changed (again).

More draconian measures will likely have to be voluntary to survive lawsuits. My suggestions:

- Allow people to give up Social Security benefits in return for something of value, e.g. exemption from further SS taxes and no "new and improved" retirement-equivalent taxes until the amount owed by SS has been reached. My generation generally has no faith we will get a dime, so while it sucks it would be worth it to me to simply not have to pay into a fund I will never see a benefit from.

-giving up SS in return for a fixed lump sum at retirement

-not getting any SS payments, but in retirement Federal taxes are "forgiven" up to the amount SS would have paid.

And most importantly, a signed, engraved apology from the United States Government to the effect that it screwed up. I really think it would be best if we could phase out the current system and go to a personal savings account system (which couldn't be accessed by the owner until retirement or disability, or by the government EVER). The government has proven it can't be trusted around the cookie jar, so the best cure is to take the cookies away from them.

-Gone with the Blastwave-Argghhh-onauts is writing the definitive compendium of excuses. Best one so far? "No crow quill." Very Zen, no? UPDATE:New comic! You can stop bugging me to update the post now, SugarButtons.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Take Back Congress

My highly observant readers will have noticed some changes to the sidebar. The Valor-IT donate-o-meter is spending time with family, and I have added a list of links to Congressional candidates I have actually given actual cash to. I don't ask for much from a potential candidate, just a fiery denunciation of the health care power grab, a general indication of understanding that we can't spend money we don't have, an instinct that illegal aliens are illegal and the border should be non-porous, and a propensity to act like an adult.

The Venn diagram of my candidates vs. the candidates the entrenched Republicans were pushing doesn't intersect much. This is why you don't get money from me, Mr. Steele.

Do note the special elections coming up Real Soon Now. Donate if you can. Liberals like to pretend their wins are inevitable, but losing special elections before the big one in November can pop that balloon. They are still whining about Scott Brown. The current administration has shown it cannot be trusted with power, and the current Congress has taken leave of its senses. This needs to change.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

So the H1-b Visa program is only for crucial tech skills, eh?

The would-be Times Square bomber not only abused our hospitality and our willingness to welcome immigrants, he abused the H1-b visa program (or someone did it for him). His first stint as a student was at college that later lost its accreditation, plus he got bad grades. Finally getting a degree in computer applications and information systems, he obtained a H1-b visa. These are allegedly for skilled workers in technical fields, but his job was as a temp accountant. Maybe I'm out of the loop here, but I have the distinct impression we have plenty of mediocre native-born accountants. What did this guy bring to the table that was so special? Besides the latent splodydope interest, that is. And why on earth are we still importing mediocre accountants with side talents in exothermic reactions at the rate of 65,000 PER YEAR? When unemployment is so high and not looking to improve in the near future?

Look, I'm willing to compromise. Just weed out the applicants that make a faint ticking noise, okay? Blowing up major US cities won't help the economy either.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

This is getting ridiculous

It is May.That is snow on my lawn.There was quite a bit of snow on my lawn. It contrasts nicely with the blooming rhododendrons, no?There was snow on the freeways too, futzing up the commute beyond any verbal description.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot????

Any pea-brained individual attempting to explain this is weather and not climate and should not, no, never be taken as evidence against Global Warming will be mocked mercilessly and at length. Possibly in Shakespearean sonnets.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Sunday Funnies

-Schlock Mercenary Very precise, very small explosions! Promise!-TwoLumps Oh look, the kitties think they can speak Teabag. How does that straw fish keep from getting waterlogged?-xkcd-Girl Genius Excess energy and what to do with it.-Delta Bravo Sierra. Newsmonkey caught in compromising photo!-Digger A discussion of high art as it pertains to skin dye.-Dreamless Feeling rested for a change.-No Need For Bushido Archers at the fore, and incoming!-Lackadaisy Victor's neighbor has sink troubles. A promised new page Tuesday as well!-There are completely unconfirmed rumors from a lowly-placed source that an Argghhh-onauts comic may be sighted at this space. Just don't come crying to me if it is all a big tease.